Less than a month after being announced that the Rhode Island National Guard Air Show would continue as the Ocean State Air Show and would be hosted at Quonset in 2022, the Ocean State Air Show has been canceled. The Rhode Island National Guard issued the following statement this evening regarding the Ocean State Air […]
Ryan Belmore
Ryan Belmore is the owner and publisher of What's Up Newp. He took over the publication in 2012 and has grown it into a three-time Rhode Island Monthly Best Local News Blog (2018, 2019, 2020).
He was named LION Publishers Member of the Year in 2020 and received the Dominique Award from the Arts & Cultural Society of Newport County the same year. He has been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism, and continues to coach and mentor new local news publications nationwide.
Ryan is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, Online News Association, and Local Independent Online News Publishers. He is committed to the codes of ethics of these organizations: accuracy, independence, accountability, and transparency.
In Newport, Ryan served on the boards of the Fort Adams Trust and Potter League for Animals, and hosted a daily radio talk show for four years.
In 2021, Ryan moved to Alexandria, Virginia, to support his wife Jen's career. He launched The Alexandria Brief in 2025, applying what he learned in Newport to a new community. With the help of some talented on-the-ground contributors, he still runs What's Up Newp — and always will.
Contact: ryan@whatsupnewp.com.
Posted inCity & Government
City of Newport lifting mask requirement at City Hall
The City of Newport today announced that in accordance with Rhode Island Executive Order 21-116, effective Monday, Feb. 14, 2022, masks will no longer be required for visitors to City Hall. Face coverings, however, are strongly encouraged to worn for those who are not fully vaccinated and visitors are asked to be mindful of any and all […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport City Council to discuss school bonds, possible bond premiums during special meeting
The Newport City Council will host a Special Council Meeting on Wednesday, February 16 at 6:30 pm for the purpose of discussing school bonds and possible bond premiums. The meeting will include a communication from School Building Committee Co-Chairs Rebecca Bolan and Louisa Boatwright in regards to the “School Building Funding Request” that was continued […]
Posted inBusiness
Take-out drinks to become permanent in Rhode Island
The General Assembly yesterday approved two measures to support Rhode Island’s restaurant industry as the pandemic stretches toward the two-year mark. The bills, which now head to the governor’s desk, will permanently allow restaurants and brewpubs to sell wine, beer, and mixed drinks with takeout food orders, and extend a provision that assists restaurants in offering outdoor […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Creations for the Ocean: Clean Ocean Access to host an eco-centered art gallery, artists can now submit entries
Art is essential to the storytelling of our natural world, and we look forward to sharing this artist-focused event around our vision of a clean, healthy ocean that is accessible to all. Take home a one-of-a-kind piece in support of local artists and our oceans. Entry to the show is free, and will be staggered […]
Posted inNews
Cicilline, Whitehouse seek to honor First Rhode Island Regiment with the Congressional Gold Medal
Today, Rhode Island Congressman David Cicilline and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse were joined by Senators Jack Reed, Bill Cassidy (R-LA), and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Congressman Jim Langevin (RI-02) in introducing the First Rhode Island Regiment Congressional Gold Medal Act (H.R.6660/S.3607), to posthumously award America’s first integrated military unit with the Congressional Gold Medal. “Long overdue, […]
Posted inNews
Point Association raises $23,000 for MLK Center during year-end fundraising drive
The Point Association of Newport this week announced that it capped off its 2021 year of community activities with its eight annual year-end fundraising drive to benefit the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center. According to The Point Association, this fundraising campaign was directed by John Broughan and Bill Rauch, who has wonderfully led […]
Posted inNews
MVYRADIO to host a series of panel discussions concentrating on the housing crisis on Martha’s Vineyard
Source: MVYRADIO Every Monday in March, MVYRADIO, in partnership with the Dukes County Health Council (DCHC) and the Coalition to Create the MV Housing Bank (CCMVHB) will host a series of panel discussions concentrating on the housing crisis on Martha’s Vineyard. This series is based upon MVYRADIO’s successful series created in February 2021 called “Let’s […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up this weekend in Newport County: Feb. 11 – 13
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport this week and weekend. This story may be updated as we learn about additional events or listings. Have an event you’d like to see added to this list or a future list? Add it to our event calendar. Note: An event or performance may […]
Posted inNews
Three Newport County groups awarded grants to support animal welfare programs
The Rhode Island Foundation today announced that three Newport County groups are among the animal welfare programs that will share nearly $500,000 in grants from the Rhode Island Foundation. The funding will support a range of uses including low-cost vet care for pets of low-income households, preparing animals for adoption, and wildlife rehabilitation. “The generosity […]
Posted inCity & Government
Representative Carson invites constituents to fill out legislative survey
Rhode Island House Representative Lauren Carson (District 75, Newport) has released a survey to her constituents concerning issues facing the Ocean State. Newporters can voice their opinion on the importance of topics such as the expansion of gun safety measures, climate change and sea-level rise, broadband expansion, the impact of the Newport Pell Bridge realignment, and – […]
Posted inCity & Government
City of Newport offering free rapid COVID-19 test kits to community groups
As part of its effort to combat the spread of COVID-19, the City of Newport announced on Wednesday that they will be offering free at-home rapid test kits to any and all local non-profit and neighborhood groups interested in providing at-home kits to the community. From churches and social service providers to neighborhood associations and […]
Posted inCity & Government
Statewide School Mask Mandate to be lifted on March 4, Indoor Masking Mandate will lift on Feb. 11
Governor Dan McKee and Rhode Island Department of Health Interim Director Dr. Jim McDonald hosted a COVID-19 briefing at 1:30 pm on Wednesday to provide an update on the State’s masking policies. McKee announced that he will let his executive order regarding indoor vax/mask mandates expire on Friday across Rhode Island. The order requiring students and staff to wear […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Rep. Solomon, Sen. DiPalma bill would require safety barriers on Newport, Jamestown, Mount Hope bridges
Rep. Joseph J. Solomon Jr. (D-Dist. 22, Warwick) and Sen. Louis P. DiPalma (D-Dist. 12, Middletown, Newport, Tiverton, Little Compton) are sponsoring legislation that would require safety barriers or netting on the three bridges that connect Aquidneck and Conanicut islands to the Rhode Island mainland. The bill (2022-H 7383) would direct the Department of Transportation, in […]
Posted inFood & Drink
National Pizza Day Poll: Who serves up your favorite pizza in and around Newport?
Since today (February 9) is National Pizza Day, we’re celebrating locally-owned pizza spots by asking you, our readers, for your opinion on who serves up your favorite pizza in and around Newport. Whether you like traditional Margherita, Neopolitan-style, or all the toppings, you’ll find many styles of America’s favorite fast food at Newport’s pizzerias and restaurants […]
Posted inFood & Drink, Things To Do
Newport Vineyards to host 26th Annual WINEterfest February 19 – 20
Newport Vineyards will host their 26th Annual WINEterfest on February 19th & 20th! The festival will include tasting bars for Newport Vineyards wine and Taproot Beer plus fun bites by their culinary team, live music & the ice bar! They have two session times each day to choose from (and limited capacity so grab your […]
Posted inNews
Australian Museum releases Preliminary Report on the proposed Newport site of the remains of James Cook’s Endeavour
The Australian National Maritime Museum has today released the museum’s Preliminary Report on the proposed site of the remains of James Cook’s Endeavour. “Due to phenomenal public and professional interest from around the world, we have brought forward plans for the release of the Preliminary Report,” said Dr Peter Hobbins, Head of Knowledge at the museum […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Secret Garden Tour returning to Newport June 24 – 26
Take a self-guided walking tour through Newport’s Historic Point Neighborhood June 24-26 during the June 2022 Secret Garden Tour. The tours run daily from 10 am until 5 pm and tickets are limited with only 300 to be sold for each day. Photos provided by Secret Garden Tour In Spring 2014, Conde Nast Traveler Magazine […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up this week in Newport County: Feb. 7 – 13
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport this week and weekend. This story may be updated as we learn about additional events or listings. Have an event you’d like to see added to this list or a future list? Add it to our event calendar. Note: An event or performance may […]
Posted inThings To Do
Chris Young bringing ‘Famous Friends Tour’ to Bold Point Park on May 27
Waterfront Concerts and 98.1 Cat Country today announced that country music artist Chris Young will bring his Famous Friends Tour with special guests Mitchell Tenpenny and Ernest to Bold Point Park in East Providence on Friday, May 27, 2022. General admission tickets for this show start at $59.50 and go on sale to the general public […]
Posted inNews
Congregation Shearith Israel files legal proceedings to evict Congregation Jeshuat Israel from Touro Synagogue
Following reports that New York Congregation Shearith Israel has filed legal proceedings to evict Congregation Jeshuat Israel from Touro Synagogue in Newport, Congregation Jeshuat Israel and Congressman David Cicilline released the following statements; Congregation Jeshuat Israel last week announced in a press release that it was shocked to learn that Shearith Israel – which has […]
Posted inJobs
Now Hiring: 101 job opportunities available right now in the Newport area
Looking for a new gig, job, or career in or around Newport? Here’s a roundup of some of the companies that are hiring right now in the Newport area. All jobs were posted or provided to us within the last seven days and are located within five miles of downtown Newport. Are you a business […]
Posted inNews
Adoptable Pet Of The Week: Kuka
Meet your new best friend, Kuka – this week’s Adoptable Pet of the Week! The Potter League for Animals shares on their website that Kuka is a six-year-old female English Bulldog. Here’s what else Potter League for Animals has to say about Kuka; Hello, Bulldog fans. We have the new love of your life waiting […]
Posted inSports
75th Block Island Race will start on May 27
Storm Trysail Club posted today the Notice of Race (NoR) and opened the Registration to accept entries. The 186nm race will start on Friday, May 27th, 2022 off Stamford, Connecticut. “In 2020, the Race was canceled due to the pandemic and in 2021, ‘N over A’ was hoisted to abandon racing the morning of the start due to a combination […]
Posted inNews
Watch – Finding Endeavour: A convo with Dr. James Hunter, Australian National Maritime Museum
Dr. James Hunter, Curator of Naval Heritage and Archaeology at the Australian National Maritime Museum (ANMM), joined What’sUpNewp for a live virtual video conversation at on Thursday, February 3. We discussed with Hunter the news out of ANMM this week that the shipwreck of James Cook’s famous vessel, His Majesty’s Bark Endeavour, has been positively […]